Hundreds of people in Europe protested against the treatment of hunting dogs in Spain at the weekend.
When the Spanish hunting season ends each year on February 1, thousands of the hunting dogs involved, most often Podencos and Greyhounds, are abandoned or killed – often in cruel ways that extend their suffering.
In 2023, the Spanish Parliament excluded hunting dogs from the country’s new animal welfare law, classifying them as ‘tools’ rather than animals.
In response to the dogs’ treatment, people have brought their own dogs to protests in numerous cities across Europe – including those organized by British group Free Spanish Hounds in London, Glasgow and Manchester.
Adva Shimshy, one of the founders of Free Spanish Hounds, told PetsRadar: “This year we held our peaceful protest in three locations in the UK. We estimate that a total of 500 people and 300 dogs marched in London, Manchester and Glasgow yesterday. We were delighted to see so many people and dogs supporting our cause, and we expect to see more joining us next year as awareness keeps growing in the UK.”
In response to the protests, the organization wrote on Instagram, “What else can we say. We are absolutely blown away by the support from the UK today for [Spanish organization] Plataforma NAC and the hunting dogs of Spain.”
Teresa Rodriguez, who organizes NAC’s international protests, said: “By raising awareness to their plight globally, we aim to encourage visitors to Spain to protest against these practices and create diplomatic pressure on the Spanish administration.”
She explained that the protests have already been successful in that European politicians have previously called for action at the European Parliament, while awareness has been growing among Spanish people, too. However, “many politicians continue to prioritize tradition and business interests over animal welfare,” she claims.
And, as Shimshy sums up: “We will continue to protest in the UK and be the voice for these dogs until the Spanish government takes decisive action to end hunting with dogs and ensure the protection they so desperately need. Together, we stand for a future free from cruelty and neglect.”
There are lots of Spanish hunting dogs that require loving forever homes. If you’re interested in adopting, fostering, or finding out more, head to Hope for Podencos, Project Galgo or Greyhounds in Need.
If you’d like to know more about breeds such as Podencos and Greyhounds, take a look at our list of sighthound breeds.
